How to Germinate Monkey Pod Rain Trees
The monkey pod tree (Samanea saman) is a South American native that thrives in tropical environments. This giant member of the pea family, also known as the rain tree, grows rapidly to reach an eventual height of 160 feet in the wild. In cultivation the tree generally stops growing at about 98 feet with an at least 100-foot crown. Monkeypod trees are common in the Hawaiian islands where they may be worth up to 20,000 dollars. Monkey pod trees do not grow anywhere but sunny, hot regions, such as zones 9 and above on the U.S. Department of Agriculture Plant Hardiness Zone Map. Does this Spark an idea?
Things You'll Need
- Pot or bowl
- Candy thermometer
- Small bowl
- Spoon
- Potting soil
- Sand or vermiculite
- Compost
- Planting container
- Heat mat
- Spray bottle
Instructions
-
-
1
Measure an amount of water that equals five times the volume of the monkey pod tree seeds. Heat the water on the stove or in a microwave to 175 degrees Fahrenheit. Use a candy thermometer to determine the water's temperature.
-
2
Place the rain tree seeds in a bowl and pour hot water over them. Stir the seeds for two minutes and then immediately plunge into a bowl of water, heated to between 86 and 104 degrees. Leave the seeds in the water for 24 hours.
-
-
3
Prepare potting soil for the monkey pod rain tree seeds by mixing three parts of potting soil with one part each of sand or vermiculite and compost. Fill a planting container with the mixture, water it and let it drain.
-
4
Push the monkey pod tree seed 1/2-inch deep into the mix. Set the container on a 75 degree heat mat. Mist the soil periodically with water from a spray bottle to keep the monkey pod seeds moist. The seeds should sprout within 10 days.
-
5
Move the rain tree seedlings into the sunshine and allow them to reach at least 8 inches in height before planting outdoors.
-
1
